Setting Expectations

The third principle of the Early Years Learning Framework is ‘High Expectations and Equity’. At DMW, we are committed to believing in all children’s capacities to succeed, regardless of diverse circumstances and abilities.

Setting Boundaries

Children thrive with clear boundaries and expectations and we are consistent with this notion at the service. We encourage them to perform tasks that increase their sense of self-sufficiency, including scraping their own bowls, wiping their own faces and cleaning up after themselves.

Assigning simple chores can build your child's confidence and self-help skills.

Parent Tip

Raise your expectations at home – it may take time, but your child will always stretch to meet those standards consistently. Assigning simple chores builds their confidence, self-help skills and self-regulation skills.

How we set expectations at Discover My World ELC

At DMW, setting clear expectations allows children to develop confidence and independence and an understanding of what’s next. This includes meal times, washing hands, how to engage with peers and educators, packing away, toileting themselves, using manners and treating each other with respect!

What you can do at home:

• Putting your child in charge of a regular, simple task. This will build their confidence, self help skills and self-regulation skills. For example, tidying up their bedroom or packing away after themselves.

• Make sure the task is real and manageable for their age. The task should not be ‘busy’ work but show contribution to the family and make your child feel capable (Lamb, 2017).

Age-Appropriate Guidelines

• 18mths - 2yrs: Children should be scraping their own bowls, wiping their own faces, able to wipe down surfaces, washing their hands etc.

• 3-5yrs: Children are able to help assist younger siblings in getting dressed and tasks above, help set/clear the table, use a hand brush and pan to clear floor, wash up dishes, make their bed, get dressed independently, brush own teeth etc.

"Don't prepare the path for the child... prepare the child fro the path!"

Resist doing what your child can do themselves

• While doing it yourself may be quicker, it doesn’t help your child’s sense of self and self-sufficiency

• Appeal to their sense of pride e.g. Do you want me to help you or can you do it yourself?

• Always use positive messages to encourage them to keep trying!

Quality Area 5: Relationships with Children

Element 5.2.2 Self-Regulation: Each child is supported to regulate their own behaviour, respond appropriately to the behaviour of others and communicate effectively to resolve conflicts.